I am delighted to introduce another of our Graduates this month: Julie Johnson, who has completed both our Wedding Celebrant training and our Funeral Celebrant Training. She’s an absolute joy and we had such fun completing her training. I love her joie-de-vie, her constant ability to see the best in a situation and her real-ness. Based in Gloucestershire, Julie conducts ceremonies in Worcestershire, Bristol, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire.
What made you decide to become an Independent Celebrant?
Julie Johnson, Celebrant:
In truth, I didn’t set out to be an Independent Celebrant. Having discovered my creative flair, following a career organising corporate and fundraising events I thought I was going to become a wedding planner!
As I was thinking about how I could promote the business the idea of having a complete package available to couples including being their celebrant – being with them through the whole of their wedding journey and really getting to know them, the icing on the cake would be to give them the special ceremony they were dreaming of.
I did the research, thought about training and didn’t have a clue which provider to choose. Something kept drawing me back to Dinah, I felt a connection even though we hadn’t met. I am quite spiritual and decided to follow my heart, so I signed up, one of the best decisions of my life.
Of course, when we started, I was adamant that I was only going to do weddings. I loved every moment of the training; the role of a celebrant ticked every box for me.
My love of people, giving everyone the most amazing experiences, taking them on a journey, always wanting to go the extra mile. I couldn’t wait to get started.
But it’s funny how life gets in the way, I am a great believer in fate. Once I had qualified, I experienced several bereavements, attending funerals and cremations. They were dismal sad affairs. My first thought was that both the loved ones we had lost and the whole family deserved so much more. This was a real turning point as I realised, I could do this and make the experience so much more uplifting, so 6 months later I find myself a fully qualified Independent Celebrant available for weddings and funerals.
What skills do you think you bring to the role?
Julie Johnson, Celebrant:
I never want to live a boring and mundane life, I love being challenged and meeting new people, definitely one of life’s givers.
As an Independent Celebrant I will bring a love of life, an inquisitive listening mind and creativity. To enable me to understand, and bring to life the deepest wishes and hopes of the couples and families I have the privilege to work with.
Naturally, practical and organised I can’t wait to get started.
You have taken both our Wedding and Funeral Celebrant training. Can you share one thing from each course that really stood out or hit home for you?
Julie Johnson, Celebrant:
One is really tricky, so I am going with two!
From the Funeral Celebrant training
The ceremony is “about the person who has passed and for the friends and family
who remain.
Showing compassion not empathy. This about the family you are working with, it is their grief and not mine.
From the Wedding Celebrant training
Always do what you say you are going to do on time, couples have enough to worry about without us adding to the pressure.
Always go the extra mile, the small little things that they are not expecting will be remembered and cherished the most.
You’ve only recently completed your training. How are you planning to promote your new venture?
Julie Johnson, Celebrant:
Run a blog series for each area of the business, both are interactive encouraging an interaction.
Weddings – Guess where I am today
Highlighting local venues, alternative options for ceremonies. The narrative describing a different type of ceremony that an Independent Celebrant can conduct.
Funeral Celebrant – Ask the Celebrant
Answering a simple question and asking for questions from those that interact.
What are you most looking forward to as a Wedding Celebrant?
Julie Johnson, Celebrant:
Working with a couple, getting to know them and understanding what their dream ceremony looks and feels like. Delivering beyond their expectations, so they feel their day is perfect for them. Now if this just happened to be outside in a natural, simple setting that would be wonderful.
What type of ceremony would you love to create – if there were no limits on time or budget?
Julie Johnson, Celebrant:
There is so much pressure on couples to conform, Pinterest, Social-Media full of images of wonderful dresses, young, beautiful “perfect” couples to aspire to, extravagant expensive weddings. Having married for a second time myself, there is so little consideration given for a more mature couple.
I would love to create a simple ceremony, which is the highlight of the day celebrating the love of two people committing to each other. Celebrating the past that has influenced who you are today, looking forward to the future with hope and excitement.
Outside in nature, a woodland setting, informal clothing, feeling like you have gone for a Sunday afternoon walk with your family. Simple and beautiful, making the most of what we have around us. Watching the sunset, gazing at the stars as firepits crackle and glow. Beautiful, meaningful and real.
What top tip would you give to anyone exploring the idea of training as an Independent Celebrant?
Julie Johnson, Celebrant:
Trust your instincts, if at any point it doesn’t feel right then it probably isn’t right. If you are not completely comfortable then you cannot give the couple or family the celebration or ceremony they deserve.
Tell us five things about yourself – Julie the person, rather than the Celebrant.
- I have a fabulous black Labrador Archie, who never tires and is always up for a walk! He helps to keep me fit.
- In love with Italy and all things Italian, I like to spend as much time there as I can.
- Having spent most of my life thinking I am not creative, I have discovered a hidden talent for interior design, bold, beautiful and colourful would be my signature.
- Would love to take part in Race Across the World!
- Love the simple things in life, experiences shared with the people you love, sunrise and sunsets, the noise of the sea, sunshine through the trees, enjoying the natural world in all its glory.
How can people contact you?
Website https://www.juliejohnson.co.uk/
Email Celebrant@juliejohnson.co.uk
AOIC Directory https://independentcelebrants.com/celebrants/julie-johnson/